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From the Brigitte Bardot section: by far my favourite dress from this issue! I’m definitely making this for the summer.

Yesterday I found my first issue of Knipmode in the mailbox. It was an impulsive decision to get a subscription, because I haven’t been interested enough to buy it in the shop for the past few years. But lately I’ve found myself wanting to sew but not go through the whole ordeal of drafting things myself and the back issues I have are just not that shiny anymore. So there it is, a year’s subscription to Knipmode. I’ve sort of set myself the challenge to make at least one thing from each issue, hopefully before the next one arrives, but with all the (sewing) homework and secret projects I’m not sure how reasonable that is. Anyway, this first issue makes me happy I got the subscription, because there’s quite a few things I’d like to make!

The issue has “Style Icons” as a theme, and features clothing inspired by Kate Moss, Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Kennedy, Coco Chanel, Caro Emerald and almost-queen Máxima. It also has an extra mini-magazine with easy “holiday fashions”, but I didn’t photograph a single one of them because they’re basically all variations on bags with or without belts. There’s one pair of trousers that could make nice pajama pants, I guess.

Anyway, I’m quite happy with this issue and I hope that the coming 11 will be just as nice. Here’s my selection from this issue, as you had probably guessed my picks come mainly from the Bardot/Kennedy/Chanel sections!

Another BB inspired one. The skirt is quite cute. Apparently the shirt has a low cut back, but none of the 5 versions in the magazine show the damn back. WHY!?

Chanel obviously. Although it’s super simple, I’m probably going to make a similar boatneck tee. In stripes of course…

Also Chanel. I’m not yet 100% sure on this dress. It looks gorgeous and flowy, but also perhaps a bit too loose just above the waist. You’d need a very lightweight fabric.

One of the 4 plus-sized patterns inspired by singer Caro Emerald. Cute, simple jersey wrap dress. The one on the picture looks a bit different from the tech drawing though. Also, if the detail of the dress is around the waist, why does the model cover it with her hands?

Right, it is the beginning of the month again… Time for a review of the Burdastyle Preview. This promises to be a good issue, because there’s already quite a few things that I like. Let’s start with the YAYs, and then move on through the MEHs towards the NAYs.

I know that I shouldn’t complain, because there’s SO MUCH stuff availabe in small sizes, but I really wish this one came in 36 as well. I love it!

This top is really cute, but the bottom is just weird – probably because it’s made out of non-stretch fabric, but has to fit over a butt anyway. Wouldn’t it be adorable over a high waisted skirt, though?

Pretty, simple summer dress. I love the bodice, but I’d probably leave off the sleeves and do an A-line or pleated skirt.

Perhaps a little too much cleavage for my liking, but I do love maxi dresses for those unexpected hot days where you just haven’t had time to shave your legs.

The fabric looks a bit like a towel, but I think it could look lovely in a different fabric.

I like the top, but those pointy bits on the skirt… No thanks.

I hope these are pyjama pants, because it is more than time for the “floral pyjama pants as normal pants” trend to go away!

Love this cute little cardigan. A nice addition to the growing pile of knit cardigans!

The whole “Blütenträume” (Flower Dream) section is wonderful. I love the little cap sleeves on this dress.

The gathered bodice on this is gorgeous. I would probably make it shorter though.

I’m not sure if the stripey trousers are a pattern in this Burda – but they’re awesome!

Pretty, floaty wedding dress, but what the hell is up with the champagne bottle turned play-backing microphone?

I don’t even know what to say about this. It looks like she’s bird watching in a two-piece Snuggie.

The section “Blütenträume” is fantastic, and some of the others seem promising too! I’m curious to see what the complete selection will be like. I ignored the Plus section this time, because it all seemed rather dull and tunic-y. I hope that’ll be better in April.

January has only just begun, but Burdastyle.de always has the preview of the next issue up very early in the month. It seems to be a promising issue.

From the theme “Urban Safari” I only really like the asymmetrical top from this picture. Perhaps I’m just tricked by the gorgeous jewel-like purple, but it seems beautiful. It’s a pity the technical drawings aren’t available yet, because I’m not sure if the shoulders are asymmetrical too, or if it’s just the hem.

Actually, taking a look at the flat photographs, the skirt might be quite pretty too. It is just really hard to make out the pleating details and the curved hem in such a busy print (which doesn’t even scream “safari” to me to be honest…).

A gorgeous outfit! I would love to make this blouse in exactly these colours right now. The skirt might be a little too long for me, but chop off about 15 cm and that seems to be a winner too.

I’m a bit torn about this one actually. Again, I think I might just be lured in by the fabric rather than the cut but it would probably be nice in a very drapey viscose jersey. This is actually the only pattern that I might consider buying the magazine for, because everything else seems easy enough to draft myself. I’ll probably end up having a quick look at the pattern pieces in the store though, so I can hopefully figure it out myself.

Have you had a look at next month’s Burdastyle Magazine yet? If so, which ones are your favourites? One of the beautiful wedding dresses from the plus size selection, or perhaps a hippie-style tunic?

Oh my goodness, how did all these days just fly by? At the end of my past semester I was so overwhelmed by all the papers, presentations and other deadlines that I haven’t been sewing or even thinking about sewing at all. Things have eased up now, so I will have some things to show soon! (Although I’m afraid my participation in the SewColette Sew-Along has been shortlived… Too much drafting and sewing homework.)

For now, I’m taking a look at the new Burda Style Magazine, that should be in stores in a few days. Below are a few of my favourites. The full preview, with all photos and technical drawings is up on the German Burda Style website. Overall, this issue looks kind of meh to me. There are a few nice basics, such as a wrap t-shirt, trousers and shorts, but also a lot of baggy, unflattering dresses that would make the most gorgeous model look frumpy.

First up, a cute little summer dress. It isn’t very remarkable, but I like the twist in the front bodice and skirt. I wonder what the pattern pieces look like.

Pro: Interesting twist; simple but nice design that would also look good with a cardigan over it.

Con: The placement of the twist and the slightly raised waistline. At the natural waist would probably look nicer.

The photo of jacket 115 is rubbish, and makes it look boring and unflattering, so I’m just showing you all the tech drawing. It’s a cute princess-seamed motorcycle styled jacket. I really like the asymmetrical front and the fact that it does not really have a collar. I guess it would look fabulous in a denim or even a rustic wool.

Last, but definitely not least, my absolute favourite from the bunch. No, I’m not planning a wedding yet, but the dress is beautiful. It kind of reminds me of Pippa Middleton’s bridesmaid dress, don’t you agree? The cowl neck is just beautiful, and I might transfer that to a shorter, more “everyday” kind of dress. It seems as if the skirt would be cut on the bias, because I don’t think you could get such a slinky, close fit otherwise.